2025’s Best Train Board Games: Our Top 8 Picks
Want a thrilling train adventure? Check out our top board game picks for endless railway fun with friends!
All aboard the marvelous world of train board games! When it comes to picking out the best train-themed board games, we focus on playability, fun, and the epic journey each game offers. Whether you’re drafting routes with friends or racing to build the ultimate railway empire, these games deliver the thrill of locomotion right to your table. We considered everything from strategic depth to accessibility for beginners. Get ready to punch your ticket for excitement and entertainment as we take you through our top picks. Grab your conductor’s hat and join us on this rail-bound adventure!
On this list:
8 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a classic that took my family game nights by storm. The objective is simple: connect cities across the map with train routes. It’s easy to learn, yet keeps players engaged with its strategic depth. The joy of outwitting a sibling to claim a critical route never gets old. I once accidentally created a track that looped around the entire country. Oops! The colorful pieces and satisfying map-building make it a favorite for newbie players and seasoned strategists alike.
7 Railways of the World
Railways of the World offers a deeper dive into the world of trains. We gathered some friends who are train enthusiasts, and this game had them hooked. Players build rail networks, deliver goods, and compete for economic dominance. It felt like conducting our own little train companies! The game can be a bit complex at first, but once you know the rules, it’s all about strategy and expansion. We had a laugh over a cup of tea, trying to monopolize the train industry.
6 1846: The Race for the Midwest
1846: The Race for the Midwest is perfect if you fancy detailed and historical train simulations. It’s like stepping into the past and watching the rapid expansion of the American railroad. We often end up creating alternate histories with our railroads. Impressively deep and strategic, it’s not for the faint-hearted but a treat for those who cherish economic planning and logistics.
5 Russian Railroads
In Russian Railroads, players race to build the largest and most advanced rail networks. The game is all about efficiency, and the competition is fierce. We had some good-natured ribbing about who could build the longest route. It’s a worker placement game, which adds a nice layer of strategy. Perfect for when you want a little more thinking and less luck in your game night.
4 TransAmerica
TransAmerica is a quick and fun train game ideal for a lighter session. It’s perfect when you want something not too taxing but still engaging. The game has players connect their cities faster than their opponents. Our table erupted with laughter as we tried to outmaneuver each other, like a rush to the best train seating. It’s the fast-paced alternative for those who love Ticket to Ride.
3 Age of Steam
Age of Steam offers an immersive train experience with its blend of management and strategy. We really felt like little tycoons managing our own railways. There’s a steep learning curve, but once you master it, the game becomes intensely rewarding. Our group bantered over who could make the most efficient rail line. It’s a fantastic game for those who revel in logistics and planning.
2 First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express
First Class is for those who love a good blend of trains and mystery. We felt like detectives on the Orient Express, piecing together an intriguing story while managing our train. The game is played in rounds, and each decision can have surprising consequences. We enjoyed the balance between strategy and narrative, making this a thrilling choice for train game nights.
1 Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham is hands down our favorite train-themed board game, blending economic strategy with historical elements. This game takes you through the Industrial Revolution, and believe me, it’s a ride! The gameplay is complex yet rewarding, and the strategic depth is mind-boggling. We spent hours trying new strategies and laughed at our epic failures. With a gripping theme, smart gameplay, and gorgeous components, Brass: Birmingham stands tall as the best train game we’ve played.
